Sample collection for Prenatal Paternity Testing

Sample collection for Prenatal Paternity Testing: what you need to know

For parents who have questions regarding their unborn child’s paternity, an AlphaBiolabs Non-invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) Test provides a 100% safe, accurate and reliable way of determining paternity before the baby is born.  

But what samples are required for a NIPP test? And how are these samples collected?

In this blog, we look at what you need to know about sample collection for prenatal paternity testing.

How prenatal paternity testing works

NIPP testing – like the test we offer at AlphaBiolabs – involves analysing foetal DNA that is found naturally in the mother’s bloodstream from as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy. 

This DNA is then compared with cheek swab DNA from the alleged father, to identify matching DNA markers.

If the tested man is the biological father, the man and the unborn baby will share DNA at every tested marker. If the tested man is not the biological father, this will not be the case.

As a DNA laboratory with over 20 years’ experience helping families find answers to their questions, we understand that ordering a prenatal paternity test is a sensitive and important decision.

However, there are many benefits to peace of mind prenatal paternity testing, depending on your reasons for wanting or needing a test:

  • Getting clarity/peace of mind about a child’s paternity before the baby is born
  • Helping foster father/child bonds before birth, where the tested man is confirmed as the biological father
  • More complete family information, which can be crucial for prenatal care
  • Peace of mind confirmation of paternity where a baby has been conceived via fertility treatments (e.g. IVF) or a surrogate

Prenatal paternity testing is also useful for custody arrangements if you and your partner no longer have a relationship or the alleged father is disputing paternity, ensuring arrangements can be made for custody once the baby is born.

Please note: if you require a prenatal paternity test for court or other official matters, you will need a Legal Prenatal Paternity Test. Simply call our friendly and discreet Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie request a quote.

What samples are required for a NIPP test?

A major benefit of NIPP testing is that the test is non-invasive, meaning that it is 100% safe for mum and baby.

An AlphaBiolabs Prenatal Paternity Test requires cheek swab DNA samples from the alleged father, along with cheek swab DNA samples and a blood sample from mum.

While other DNA laboratories may require cells to be obtained from either the amniotic fluid or the placenta using a needle, AlphaBiolabs offers non-invasive testing only – so you can be confident that our test is 100% risk-free.

What are the options for sample collection

We provide two options for sample collection for your NIPP test.

  1. FREE walk-in centre sample collection

    Have mum and the alleged father’s samples collected at an AlphaBiolabs walk-in centre, by one of our professional sample collectors. This option is included with the cost of your test, free of charge.

    Simply order your test online, select this option at checkout, and one of our advisors will contact you to arrange the appointment on receipt of your order.

    Your AlphaBiolabs’ Sample Collector will also ensure the safe return of your samples from the walk-in centre to our accredited laboratory.

  1. Have one of our sample collectors visit you at an address of your choice

    Have mum and the alleged father’s samples collected at an address of your choice, during one appointment (+€149).

    Alternatively, we can arrange two sample collection appointments (mum and alleged father) at separate addresses of your choice (+€249).

    Simply select your preferred option at checkout, and one of our advisors will contact you to arrange the appointment(s).

Please note: the mother and alleged father’s samples do not need to be collected at the same location, but we strongly recommend that all samples be collected at approximately the same time.

This is to avoid any delays and the risk of the mother’s blood sample degrading.

What to look for when choosing a prenatal paternity test

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which testing laboratory to choose.

Here are just a few reasons why you can trust AlphaBiolabs with your prenatal paternity test:

  • Secure, confidential results in just 5-7 days – or 4 days for +€200
  • Non-invasive test – 100% safe and risk-free for mum and baby
  • We are the ONLY laboratory to hold ISO 17025 accreditation for prenatal paternity testing
  • Multiple sample collection options available, to suit your needs
  • Over ONE MILLION genetic tests performed since 2004

Order your test online now or contact our friendly, discreet Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 / info@alphabiolabs.ie more information.

Prenatal Paternity Test

Order your test online now for €995 with FREE sample collection at an AlphaBiolabs walk-in centre.

Order Now